We can face pretty hard ridicule from others, and a lot from ourselves. Oftentimes, the feelings of not being good enough rise to the surface, and we can’t seem to push them down. Sometimes we can’t shake the negativity of others that washes over us in lack of understanding. Life is hard.
The past two years, I have been learning how to rest and recover. Since being sick, I had to learn how to manage my stress on a level I had never done before. I had to learn how to rest from the chaos and let my body heal in sweet, silent moments. Here are a few things I have learned to help put my Crohn’s in remission and lower my stress levels. These are my positive things I hold on to.
1) I can go to sleep knowing it is a fresh new day when I wake and open my eyes. A chance to start over and take on a new challenge, or not.
2) All is well. No matter how crappy my day has gone, I know that All is well. Why? Because I know that God is good and His goodness is my strength.
3) What I have to say, is exactly what they need to hear. I was told this by a mentor. I need to trust God and trust myself in knowing that everything I say has a purpose. My voice matters. Maybe not to some, but the opinions of others don’t define who I am.
4) No one can take my joy from me. It is my choice whether I want to let someone ruin my day or not. It is my choice to count it all joy, no matter if it is in celebration, resolution, or desolation.
5) I surrender. Every day when I get up, I surrender to the Most High God and give my life to Him for His purpose, and then I surrender to my weaknesses, knowing that my weaknesses allow me to seek the one who makes me strong. I can’t do it on my own, and that is ok.
6) I choose love. Love in joy, love in sadness, love in correction, love in celebration, love in hard work, love in perseverance, love in relationships, love in God.
7) Release what no longer serves me. I am perfectly ok with releasing people, places, things that no longer serve me to grow into a better person, or love me for who I am. Things that have torn me down, and things that have caused internal turmoil I have let go and let God. I don’t need to hang on to these anymore. These things were crushing my soul and keeping me from being healthy. I no longer need to hang on to these things.
8) I give myself grace. I am not perfect, and I never will be on this earth. So, when I mess up, I don’t beat myself up. I give myself grace, as God has given me grace.
9) My story isn’t over yet. I have a lifetime to create the life I want to live. No one gets to choose that for me. What a gift.
10) I can make a difference. I am capable of making an impact with my words, with my actions, and with my heart.
11) With every breath, I release my stress. I have a choice. I can hang on to every word, every action, every situation, every opinion, or I can release it and allow my body to accept myself in the moment and search my awareness of what it is I want to be. Try box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, release for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds and repeat. This technique has allowed me to slow my heartrate and respond with less stress and more care.
So there you have it. These are a few things that have helped me, grow, learn, relax and recover, and I still actively try to use them daily. How do you get through your day?
